Military career Virgilio N. Cordero Jr.

american prisoners of war, in burial detail, carry bodies of died weeks followed bataan death march

on december 8, 1941, when japanese planes attacked u.s. military installations in philippines, cordero, held rank of colonel, battalion commander of 31st infantry regiment. 31st infantry covered withdrawal of american , philippine forces bataan peninsula , fought 4 months despite fact no come in outside after of pacific fleet destroyed @ pearl harbor , mid-ocean bases @ guam , wake island lost. bataan defense force surrendered on april 9, 1942, , cordero , men underwent torture , humiliation during bataan death march , 4 years of captivity. cordero 1 of 1,600 members of 31st infantry taken prisoners. half of these men perished while prisoners of japanese forces. cordero gained freedom when allied troops defeated japanese in 1945. july 1946 november 1947, served in military base in caserta, italy before returning united states. while in italy, awarded silver star medal , legion of merit actions in bataan.

silver star citation

virgil n. cordero

united states army

company: commanding officer

regiment: 72nd infantry regiment

division: 71st division, philippine army

the president of united states of america, authorized act of congress july 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting bronze oak leaf cluster in lieu of second award of silver star colonel (infantry) virgil n. cordero (asn: 0-7472), united states army, conspicuous gallantry , intrepidity in action against enemy while serving commanding officer, 72nd infantry regiment, 71st division, philippine army, in action in bataan, luzon, philippine islands, on 9 april 1942. upon termination of fighting in bataan, colonel cordero occupying defensive position near bagac while awaiting final surrender instructions. during inspection of front lines, heard small arms fire nearby and, inasmuch orders had been issued not fire unless attacked enemy, proceeded toward firing , found burning ammunition truck being attacked contrary terms of negotiations. colonel cordero, no thought of own safety, directed extinguishment of dangerous fire. clam , fearless leadership , unhesitating willingness risk life, colonel cordero prevented unnecessary engagement enemy , loss of life among american soldiers. colonel cordero s gallant actions , selfless devotion duty, without regard own safety, in keeping highest traditions of military service , reflect great credit upon himself, unit, , united states army.

general orders: headquarters, u.s. forces, pacific, general orders no. 276 (1945)